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| Rick is the guy in the middle of the front row with the tie. |
I had a conversation with my Mother who lives in Powell, WY today and found out that a very dear friend died. Rick Gutierrez died on May 30, 2012 at the age of 56 at St. Vincent’s in Billings, MT.
I owe Rick an extreme debt of gratitude. In 1986 when I
lived in Worland, WY Rick was President of the Worland Jaycees. After months
and months of his badgering phone calls he convinced me and several others to
join the Worland chapter in January of that year. In the beginning of my Jaycee
career Rick was right there encouraging and supporting me every step of the
way.
Joining the Jaycees was a real turning point in my life. I
learned so many things in the Jaycees that sent me on a totally different life
path. I learned how to be a better public speaker, how to manage projects and
gain a ton of self confidence that translated to my personal and professional
life. I could write an entire book on the tremendous impact the JC’s have had
on so many areas of my life.
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| Rick with his Granddaughter. |
Less than 5 weeks ago I was in Powell to see my Mother who was ill and run into Rick at one of the local grocery stores. He looked great, I shook his hand when I saw him and thanked him for being so a good friend and being the man who led me to the Jaycees. He invited me for a get together while I was there but I told him since my Mom’s situation was so bad I couldn’t commit to seeing him. I told him the next time I came to Powell we’d get together and have a beer. And so it goes…
It came as a real shocker to hear this news today. Rick was only 56, way too young to be taken at such an early age. Rick was very well liked by many and was a real community service oriented person his whole life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Laura his wife of 31 years
and his children Chad, Mandy and Ryan. He’ll be missed; he was a fine man and
good friend. God speed Rick and thank you so much for what you gave me, I’ll
never forget it.
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